Proverbs 7 serves as a strong warning against the temptations of adultery and immoral relationships. Solomon illustrates the power of seduction through a vivid narrative, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, obedience, and self-control.

He urges his readers to keep God’s commandments close to their hearts, recognizing that moral failure leads to destruction.

Proverbs 7:1-5 – The Call to Wisdom and Obedience

“My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.”

  • NIV (New International Version): “My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.”
  • KJV (King James Version): “My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.”
  • ESV (English Standard Version): “My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye.”

Commentary: Solomon emphasizes the necessity of internalizing God’s wisdom. The phrase “apple of your eye” highlights the value and preciousness of divine instruction, urging the reader to protect and prioritize it.

Word Study & Analysis:

  • “Apple of your eye” (אִישׁוֹן, ishon) – This Hebrew phrase refers to the pupil, symbolizing something highly valuable and worth protecting.
  • “Keep” (שָׁמַר, shamar) – This word means to guard, watch over, and obey, signifying a continuous effort to live by God’s commandments.

Application: Wisdom must not only be learned but also deeply embedded in one’s life. Guarding biblical truths ensures protection from destructive choices.

Proverbs 7:6-13 – The Allure of Temptation

“At the window of my house I looked down through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense.”

  • NIV: “At the window of my house I looked down through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense.”
  • KJV: “For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, and beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding.”
  • ESV: “For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice, and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense.”

Commentary: The passage describes a young man who is easily led astray due to his lack of discernment. The seductive nature of sin is often subtle, and those who lack wisdom are especially vulnerable.

Word Study & Analysis:

  • “Simple” (פֶּתִי, peti) – Describes a naive or inexperienced person who is easily influenced.
  • “Lattice” (חַלּוֹן, challon) – A window with an intricate framework, symbolizing observation and insight.

Application: Avoiding compromising situations is essential. Recognizing the subtle dangers of temptation allows for better decision-making and personal integrity.

Proverbs 7:14-20 – The Strategy of Seduction

“She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: ‘Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home.’”

  • NIV: “She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: ‘Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home.’”
  • KJV: “So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.”
  • ESV: “She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him, ‘I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows.’”

Commentary: The woman in this passage uses religious imagery to justify her actions, demonstrating how sin can be disguised under a cloak of respectability.

Word Study & Analysis:

  • “Brazen face” (עָז, az) – This word denotes boldness, shamelessness, and a lack of moral restraint.
  • “Peace offerings” (שְׁלָמִים, shelamim) – These were voluntary sacrifices symbolizing fellowship with God, ironically used here as a pretext for immoral behavior.

Application: Rationalizing sin through false justification is a common trap. True wisdom involves discerning deception and standing firm in righteousness.

Proverbs 7:21-27 – The Path to Destruction

“With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter.”

  • NIV: “With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter.”
  • KJV: “With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter.”
  • ESV: “With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter.”

Commentary: Solomon graphically illustrates the fatal consequences of succumbing to temptation. The imagery of an ox being led to slaughter underscores the dire end awaiting those who fail to heed wisdom.

Word Study & Analysis:

  • “Seduce” (נָטָה, natah) – To incline or turn away from the right path.
  • “Slaughter” (טֶבַח, tebach) – A term used to describe death or destruction, symbolizing inevitable ruin.

Application: Recognizing the long-term consequences of moral failure is vital. Every decision shapes our future, and choosing wisdom leads to life rather than destruction.

General Overview of Proverbs 7

Proverbs 7 warns against the dangers of seduction and urges believers to guard their hearts and minds. Solomon presents a cautionary tale that highlights the devastating effects of unchecked desires.

Key Takeaways:

  • True wisdom involves guarding against temptation.
  • Rationalizing sin leads to deeper moral failure.
  • Short-term pleasure results in long-term consequences.
  • Obedience to God’s commandments provides protection and guidance.

References

  • HENRY, Matthew. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged. Hendrickson Publishers, 1991.
  • KIDNER, Derek. Proverbs: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 1981.
  • WIERSBE, Warren W. Be Skillful (Proverbs): God’s Guidebook to Wise Living. David C. Cook, 1995.